Introducing BitChat, a groundbreaking peer-to-peer messaging platform that breaks free from the internet, central servers, and even phone numbers. Developed by decentralized tech advocate and Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, BitChat allows users to communicate securely using a Bluetooth-based mesh network—no Wi-Fi, no mobile data, and no centralized control.
🛠️ What is BitChat?
BitChat is an open-source, public-domain project that transforms iOS and macOS devices into nodes of a self-healing Bluetooth mesh network. Each device acts as both a client and a relay, automatically connecting to nearby devices and forwarding messages over multiple hops—ensuring messages are delivered even when direct connection is unavailable.
All messages are encrypted using modern cryptographic methods and are stored temporarily in volatile memory, which vanishes when the app is closed. It’s a true privacy-first communication tool for those who want complete digital independence.
🔒 Key Features of BitChat
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| No Internet Required | Communicates via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) with automatic mesh formation |
| Decentralized Network | No central servers or cloud services—pure peer-to-peer communication |
| End-to-End Encryption | Uses X25519 key exchange & AES-256-GCM for encrypted messaging |
| Multi-Hop Messaging | Messages can hop across multiple devices (up to 7) to reach their destination |
| Store & Forward | Messages are cached for delivery to offline peers when they reconnect |
| Channel-Based Group Chats | Join topic-based chat rooms with password-protected access |
| Emergency Wipe | Triple-tap the logo to instantly erase all data from the app |
| Dummy Traffic | Adds fake messages to resist surveillance and traffic analysis |
| Battery Optimization | Adaptive scanning modes based on battery level for longer usage |
| Privacy by Design | No phone number, no email, no accounts required—fully anonymous usage |
| IRC-Like Interface | Familiar commands such as /j #channel, /m @user, and /who |
| Cross-Platform Support | Native iOS/macOS support with easy extensibility for Android developers |
📡 How BitChat Works
Unlike traditional messaging platforms (e.g., WhatsApp or Telegram), BitChat operates entirely without internet connectivity. It uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to form a mesh network, where every device becomes both a sender and a router.
Messages are relayed across multiple nodes, extending communication beyond direct Bluetooth range (usually 30–100 meters). This ensures that even in offline scenarios or remote areas, communication stays alive.
💬 Chat Commands
/j #channel– Join or create a channel/m @name [message]– Send a private message/who– View online users/channels– Discover available channels/block @name– Block a user/unblock @name– Unblock a user/clear– Clear message history/pass [password]– Set or update channel password/transfer @name– Transfer channel ownership/save– Enable or disable message retention
🧱 Technical Highlights
🔐 Encryption & Security
- Private Chats: Ephemeral X25519 key pairs + AES-256-GCM encryption
- Group Chats: Argon2id password-based key derivation with AES-256-GCM
- Digital Signatures: Ensures message authenticity with Ed25519
- Forward Secrecy: New keys generated for every session to ensure past messages can’t be decrypted
⚙️ Performance Optimization
- LZ4 Compression: Up to 70% bandwidth savings for messages over 100 bytes
- Bloom Filters: Rapid detection of duplicate messages
- Duty Cycling: Smart battery usage based on power levels
🔋 Power Modes
| Battery Level | Mode |
|---|---|
| Charging or >60% | Performance Mode |
| 30–60% | Balanced Mode |
| 10–30% | Power Saver |
| <10% | Ultra-Low Power |
🧩 Setting Up BitChat (Developers)
Option 1: XcodeGen (Recommended)
bashCopyEditbrew install xcodegen
cd bitchat
xcodegen generate
open bitchat.xcodeproj
Option 2: Swift Package Manager
bashCopyEditcd bitchat
open Package.swift
Option 3: Manual Setup
- Create new iOS/macOS app project in Xcode
- Add Swift files from BitChat source
- Update
Info.plistwith Bluetooth permissions - Set deployment target to iOS 16.0 or macOS 13.0
Building for Distribution
- Configure your Apple Developer account
- Set up provisioning profiles and code signing
- Archive and upload to TestFlight or App Store
📱 Availability
BitChat is currently in beta testing for iOS via Apple TestFlight. It has quickly reached its 10,000-user testing limit due to overwhelming demand. Android support is coming soon—you can also download the APK from the official GitHub page.
🚀 Future Updates
- Wi-Fi Direct Support: Coming soon to extend communication range significantly
- Android Compatibility: Developers can re-implement BitChat’s mesh protocol using BLE APIs
- Protocol Extensions: Public domain license allows community-driven enhancements
🌍 Why BitChat Matters
BitChat isn’t just a messaging app—it’s a decentralized, censorship-resistant communication platform ideal for:
- Natural disasters or emergencies
- Internet shutdowns or censorship zones
- Remote areas with poor connectivity
- Privacy-conscious users wanting anonymity
Its open-source foundation and privacy-first design make it a powerful alternative to mainstream chat apps, especially in sensitive or surveillance-heavy environments.
📚 Learn More & Get Involved
- Explore the technical whitepaper on GitHub
- Follow our LinkedIn community for updates on decentralized tech
- Help build the Android version or contribute to the protocol
BitChat: Communicate Freely. Stay Private. Go Offline.
